SWISS POSTFINANCE ARENA HOCKEY AR PRE-GAME SHOW
The PostFinance Arena (originally known as Eisstadion Allmend and Bern Arena) is an arena in Bern, Switzerland. It is primarily used for ice hockey and is the home arena of SC Bern. It was built in 1967 and currently accommodates 17,031 people. A characteristic of the PostFinance Arena is that it has the world’s largest standing room grandstand within an arena, with a capacity of 10,422 bench seats.
The PostFinance Arena was the main arena for the 2009 IIHF World Championships, and has already hosted the inaugural Victoria Cup. Likewise, in May 2016, the 2016 European Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships were held at the arena as well.
Due to its age and with an eye towards the 2009 IIHF World Championships, the arena was renovated. The holder invested about CHF 100 million (~$100 million) into the extension and restoration of the building. The modification was finished by April 24, 2009, when the World Championships started. The interior of the arena is mostly unchanged, especially the steep standing room stand, which is very popular with the fans. However the VIP-zone was entirely rebuilt and the capacity there was extended by about 500. The total capacity is now 17,031 spectators.
